Gazelle in the Heart of Jerusalem
In this pastoral valley, a small herd of about 30 Gazelle used to live in the past, enjoying freedom without limits in an open area connected to the Rafai’m stream. In 1993, when the Begin road was paved, the connection with the stream was cut off and the herd was imprisoned in the area between the near neighborhoods and roads, and its condition got worse. The herd suffered from predators and its ranks thinned out, and if that wasn't enough, a plan for residential buildings was promoted, which could have killed it.
Residents and citizens, caring nature lovers, fought against the construction plans and for the preservation of nature, and managed to achieve an impressive impact. The plans were canceled, the area was fenced and the herd saved, and for the first time in Israel a nature park was planned with the help and participation of the public. In 2015 the valley was opened to the general public and became a protected home for the Gazelle.
A rich and impressive natural ecosystem has developed in the beautiful valley. Along with the herd that has since grown to several dozen Gazelle, the undisturbed area became a habitat for a multitude of other animals such as insects, reptiles and birds, some of them rare, but also for thriving natural vegetation and flower species that add to its beauty. Visitors can enjoy the natural wealth, and of course watch the Gazelle up close as they jump, play, sometimes fight, stop and watch the visitors from a distance.
(Anecdote authored by: דניאל)
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